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Birds by name

Dartford warbler

Conservation status: Amber

This small, dark, long-tailed warbler is resident in the UK and has suffered in the past from severe winters. Its population crashed to a few pairs in the 1960s, since when it has gradually recovered, increasing in both numbers and range. It is still regarded as an Amber List species. It will perch on top of a gorse stem to sing, but is often seen as a small flying shape bobbing between bushes.

Overview

Latin name

Sylvia undata

Family

Warblers and allies (Sylviidae)

Where to see them

Lowland heathland with gorse and heather. Look for them at RSPB reserves at Arne, Dorset; Aylesbeare, Devon; and North Warren Suffolk. Also try Dunwich Heath, Suffolk, the Surrey and Dorset heathlands, and the New Forest.

When to see them

All year round.

What they eat

Insects

Population

EuropeUK breeding*UK wintering*UK passage*
-estimated 3,208 pairs--

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

In the UK
Southern and Eastern England.

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Illustrations

Audio

Manuel Grosselet, Xeno-canto

Characteristics

Dartford warbler

Dartford warbler
  • Size: robin-sized or smaller
  • Feather colours: brown, black, white, blue, red, grey, pink/purple
  • Beak colours: black/dark grey
  • Beak length: short
  • Beak thickness: short
  • Leg colour: brown, pink/flesh
  • Behaviour: on ground, wagging or flicking tail, bird hops on the ground, catches insects in flight